After Fearing No One Would Attend Texas Vet's Funeral, Huge Crowd Shows Up to Pay Their Respects
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The staff at a Texas veterans cemetery couldn't find any members of a US Air Force veteran's family to attend his burial, so they invited the public instead. And the response is heartwarming.
On Monday, a large group of people showed up at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen to pay their respects as Joseph Walker, a Vietnam veteran, was buried with full military honors.
Walker served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968, according to television station KVUE.
"We have the distinct honor to provide a full military burial for unaccompanied United States Air Force Veteran Joseph Walker," a posting on the cemetery's Facebook page read. "If you have the opportunity, please come out and attend. We do NOT leave Veterans behind."
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) also tweeted his support.
Air Force Veteran Joseph Walker will be laid to rest Monday, and no one is expected to attend.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 26, 2019
The cemetery said they do not know where his family is and they do not want him to be laid to rest alone, so they are asking the public to attend. https://t.co/ydf39wwrBn
The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders, a local biker group, also organized a special ride to honor Walker.
A large crowd showed up at the cemetery Monday morning to make sure Walker wouldn't be laid to rest alone.
The Texas Land Office tweeted the news Monday that a massive crowd showed up for Walker's funeral.
"Incredible turnout this morning to honor unaccompanied @usairforce Veteran Joseph Waker. #NoVeteranLeftBehind," the tweet read.
Incredible turnout this morning to honor unaccompanied @usairforce Veteran Joseph Walker. #NoVeteranLeftBehind pic.twitter.com/4MoJNXYK2e
— TXGeneralLandOffice (@txglo) January 28, 2019
"We are overwhelmed by all the amazing love and support shown for @usairforce Veteran Joseph Walker who was laid to rest today at the Central #Texas State Veterans Cemetery in #Killeen. Words cannot properly describe how grateful we are to everyone who came out today," the office wrote.
We are overwhelmed by all the amazing love and support shown for @usairforce Veteran Joseph Walker who was laid to rest today at the Central #Texas State Veterans Cemetery in #Killeen. Words cannot properly describe how grateful we are to everyone who came out today pic.twitter.com/NXSbxR1XCq
— Texas VLB (@TexasVLB) January 28, 2019
Janet Shamlian, a local journalist, also tweeted " Killeen, Texas: A line of cars stretching for miles to attend the funeral of an Air Force Veteran with no family.. after fears he would be buried with no one attending."
Killeen, Texas: A line of cars stretching for miles to attend the funeral of an Air Force Veteran with no family.. after fears he would be buried with no one attending. pic.twitter.com/IC5z7IlDjh
— Janet Shamlian (@JanetShamlian) January 28, 2019
The Wind Therapy Freedom Riders also posted photos from the funeral on their Facebook page, writing, "At Veteran Joseph Walker's funeral the man that was going to have an unaccompanied military burial ended up with tons of love and support."
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